Advent 3C - 2024

Sermon for the Third Sunday of Advent, Year C
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
The Rev. Andrew McLarty

Good morning to you on this third Sunday of Advent, often called Gaudete Sunday, meaning “Rejoice,” from the first word of the Latin Mass: “Gaudete in Domino semper: iterum dico, gaudete” (“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice”) from Philippians 4:4. Its a Sunday within Advent when we pause to rejoice as we near the celebration of Christ’s birth.

Monday's in Advent

• "listen, stop and breathe" AND "hurry up and buy gifts, don't forget the wrapping paper!"
• "prepare the way for the Lord" AND "prepare to host your inlaws, because their holiday plans just changed!"

But there is hope

And yet, the rose candle on our Advent wreath glows brighter alongside the others, reminding us that joy is growing in our hearts and in the world. Week by week, as the light on the wreath increases, we are reminded of the coming Light of Christ, breaking into the darkness.

Today’s readings give us two complementary messages: one from John the Baptist in Luke, calling us to prepare through repentance, and one from Paul in Philippians, urging us to rejoice in the nearness of the Lord. Together, these texts invite us into a deeper awareness of how God’s light grows in us and the world.

In Luke, John the Baptist’s words are direct and even startling. “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?” John’s fiery proclamation is not meant to condemn but to awaken like a splash of cold water. His call to repentance is urgent: bear fruit worthy of repentance. It’s not enough to claim spiritual heritage or religious identity; transformation is needed.

What is striking is the response of the crowd: “What then should we do?” Their openness to change is the first step of preparation. John’s answers are rooted in justice and compassion. To those with abundance, he says, “Share with those who have none.” To tax collectors, “Collect no more than is fair.” To soldiers, “Do not abuse your power.” Practical acts of love, honesty, and equity—faith lived out in daily relationships.

Rejoince in the Lord Always

While John’s message carries urgency, Paul’s is filled with assurance. “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. The Lord is near.” Paul reminds us that Christ’s coming is not only cause for joy but also for peace. He invites us to bring our concerns to God with prayer and thanksgiving, trusting that “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

The growing light of Advent reveals areas of our lives that need repentance—places where we need to literally "turn around" toward God, taking up prayer and rest and sabbath, but also working toward the Kingdom amid God's constant nearness.

As we light the third candle today, we see that our Advent journey is about both preparation and joy. Like the crowd asking John, “What should we do?” we too are called to make room for Christ by living out love as we make true the admonition of Paul -

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice!